Cosmo's 75G Build Thread

[imcosmokramer]

Hi, first post here. I am starting my first tank. Here is what I have ordered so far, please comment, any input would be helpful:

75 AGA RR tank
Stand
48" Outer Orbit 2x250 MH with T5's
Current USA Prime Tower Chiller 1/4hp
ADHI Refugium 30
ASM G-2 Protein Skimmer
Iwaki WMD40 (return pump)
2 Tunze 6045
Kent Marine Deluxe Hi-S Maxxima 35 GPD RO/DI
50lb LR
50lb Base Rock
20lb LS (Opted for a SSB for now)
30lb Aragamax sugar sized sand (Opted for a SSB for now)
SeaChem Reef Salt

Heater
Reef Test Kit
Refractometer
Kent Marine Tech-CB A/B

I have a QT Set up and some Brute Cans for pre-mixing SW
I am having this whole thing installed on Tue, so I need to make sure I have everything. The guy is bringing all the pluming supplies

What else do I need?
Thank you so much in advance,

p.s.
One last thing I got was an empty bank account.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

You got everything except an R.O. unit (you will need it trust me). Good luck:beer: .

 

[imcosmokramer]

Hi Fish_wiz2, thanks for the quick reply. I am getting an RO/DI unit.

It's there:

Kent Marine Deluxe Hi-S Maxxima 35 GPD RO/DI

 

[macronut]

Yes, this hobby can get expensive.

 

[BLKTANG]

Yes you forgot BEER!!!


all looks good Welcome to RC.

 

[imcosmokramer]

Good call BLKTANG, I can't believe that in all the reading I've done, no one has mentioned that.

 

[cdbias2]

Get an ATO.
The chiller might not be needed up here. Are you going to have an open top?

 

[imcosmokramer]

what is an ATO?

The tank is upstairs and it's usually warm in that room. Plus, with the 2x250, even with the open top, it was recommended that I get it. Worse case, it won't work that hard. Better safe than sorry I guess.

 

[BLKTANG]

ATO is an Auto Top Off.You can connect it to your RO tub,& put it on a timer.

As for the chiller you will need it with the 250's,& the ATO is a good idea,because with no top,& all that light youy will have alot of evaporation.

And dont forget the brew.

 

[imcosmokramer]

Re: ATO
The only issue is that the tank will go in my home office, and I can't (easily) set up pluming from the basement to the second floor. How small can you set a ATO unit up? Can it be a 5gl bucket?

 

[BLKTANG]

It sure can.You can set up a 5g bucket under,or next to your tank.

 

[imcosmokramer]

what are some options for ATO's (building one myself is not one, especially if I want it to work). Where do you buy one?

 

[creep]

you can get one on autotopoff.com

 

[cdbias2]

The most reliable ones are ozmolators made by Tunze.

 

[dsn112]

my autotopoff.com system works great. I use it with a Aqualifter and a 5 gallon jug. Safe and easy. Hooking it up to a large resivior is dangerous if your gone a while and it malfunctions. Pumping 5g or less won't cause nearly as much damage if something failed.

 

[celano]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Your list looks good except for a few things. The Kent Marine Deluxe Hi-S Maxxima 35 GPD RO/DI is way overpriced for what ya get. Checkout http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/ for some better prices and better units. Take a look at the 75gpd units as they provide the best quality water in the least amount of time.
Next would have to be that ASM skimmer....yuck. Theres way better options out there now that just makes the ASM look like an overpriced pos(which it is). The DAS ex-1, the new Octo SWC line, or even a regular Octo nw-200 would all be better choices then the ASM. Head on over to the light&filtration forum. Lots of good info over there about skimmers.
Other then that your list looks great. Keep us updated on how everything works out.

 

[Teen Aquarist]

I hate Current items none worked for me. Man you have a great list. To save some mony you can easyly make a stand. Good Luck TA

 

[soccerman77]

I have the same outer orbital system on my 75g and the MH's were too strong. Even on a 3 hour cycle for the MH they were still making my candy cane turn white down at the bottom of my tank. After I turned the MH off the color returned so I know it's the lights. Also everything in my tank seems to be growing fine with just 4 54w T-5's. I would go with the 150's w MH if possible. My 2 cents.

 

[imcosmokramer]

hmmm, didn't know you could have too much light. I guess I can raise them a little off of the tank. I have already ordered the lights, so I can no longer go with the 150's. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks Celano.

Teen - I don't really have the time/know how to build a stand, which is why I bought one. It looks nice and did not break the bank too much. I'll post pictures as I get things in

 

[Reef of Eden]

ATO will save your return pump on lazy days